This Whirlpool-made Roper refrigerator has the quality of Whirlpool without the Whirlpool price, although lacking many nonessential extra features. It is convenient to use, reliable, and downright cheap to buy.

Before purchasing this refrigerator, I checked all nearby dealers for the cheapest price of similar models. My only requirements were that I wanted a refrigerator made by a namebrand company and about 18 cubic feet. This one met my requirements, as it is made by Whirlpool, is 18.1 cu. ft., and cost only $449, including delivery from 40 miles away and installation.

My husband and I bought this refrigerator several months ago as a second refrigerator, intending to continue using our old, larger refrigerator as our primary refrigerator and this one for stuff that is not used as often. It has turned out just the opposite because we like this one so well and it is so convenient for easily taking stuff out.

We put everything in this refrigerator that we use often or are likely to use first. We also store all our fruits and vegetables in this refrigerator as opposed to our larger one. That is because this fridge has lower humidity in its two crispers and keeps produce fresh longer (up to several weeks). The crispers have glass tops so that we can easily see what is in them. There is also a meat drawer, normally installed under the top shelf.

There are two shelves extending all the way across. They are not glass, but white plastic coated wire. I like them for a couple of reasons. They can easily be moved higher or lower and are not heavy. They seem to allow better air circulation than glass.

The refrigerator door has several shelves of various depths, widths, and heights. The freezer door has two shelves. The door shelf rails are easily removed for cleaning. One door shelf has a door that closes over it and we use this one for butter and small packages of cheese. Although the bottom shelf is big enough for milk, the instructions advise keeping milk on a shelf in the fridge, for maximum coldness. Since we rarely drink milk, I can't advise on this.

The freezer has one shelf going all the way across. It can be raised or lowered or removed completely. We keep it near the top because we've discovered that anything that we want to chill quickly (such as sodas) will get cold in just a few minutes if we put them on this shelf, because that's where the cold air comes out.

Although the door is opened often, we find that a Normal thermostat setting is just right. There is only one temperature control for both the refrigerator and freezer sections, but this has not been a problem.

This refrigerator is very quiet. I have never heard any popping or unusual sounds. However, ours does not have the optional icemaker. (We buy all our ice because the water here is not the best tasting.) The instructions advise not to connect the icemaker to a water softener because the chemicals could damage it.

Like most refrigerators, the door opens from the left, but there are detailed instructions for switching the hinge to the other side if that suits your fancy.

The Energy Guide states that this model uses 691 kWh/year, with an average operating cost of $58 at 8.42 cents per kwH. The warranty is for one full year on the refrigerator and five years on the sealed refrigeration system.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 449 inc. Del